Elder Coat Program — In the past year, Ruth’s House provided more than 200 coats, winter gloves, hats and scarves to seniors to keep warm during the winter months. The minimum age of this program has been lowered from 55 to 50, due to the need in the community.
Seniors and Families are also eligible for a clothing voucher, four times a year, which can be used to purchase warm winter clothing or footwear items.
Underwear and socks are considered a basic clothing necessity — more than 100 individuals are given vouchers each month, which translates to more than 7,200 pairs of socks and underwear provided over the course of the year.
Job Skills Training Program – for several years, Ruth’s House has had great success with the job skills training program. The Thrift Shop has two seniors working in the job skills training program at this time. The seniors who train at Ruth’s House are eager to learn new skills and benefit from the social interaction that is a part of being employed. In 2020, Ruth’s House will offer this program to additional seniors.
“This grant keeps Merrimack Valley’s seniors warm this winter,” shared Barbara Donegan, President of the Board of Directors of Ruth’s House. “Whether it be the ability to provide the basic necessity of warm winter clothing or job skills training that keeps our seniors engaged in our communities — we are extremely grateful to the Griffin-White Foundation for supporting our mission of providing for our indigent population.”